"Mumps has spread and health officials urge immunization," the health department said in the release. "The Washington State Department of Health reminds people across the state to take precautions to help stop the spread of mumps.

"It's especially important for you to take precautions during winter holiday social gatherings. Avoid kissing, hugging and other close contact with anyone who is suspected of having mumps. If you have been exposed to mumps and feel ill, stay home to help prevent the spread of the disease and contact your healthcare provider," the statement continued.

Officials told KREM-TV that symptoms take 16 to 18 days to show after a person is exposed to the virus. They added that as many as 30 percent of people will show no symptoms while others will experience fever, headache, tiredness, loss of appetite and swelling/pain of the cheeks and jaw.

Health officials told KREM-TV that severe complications may include swelling of brain and tissue covering of the brain and spinal cord, deafness and swelling of testicles or ovaries.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that mumps cases were confirmed in 46 states and the District of Columbia last year, totaling 5,311 infections. Eight states reported more than 100 cases in 2016: Arkansas, Iowa, Indiana, Illinois, Massachusetts, New York, Oklahoma, and Texas.